Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Tommy Fleming Update
As I write a very small number of physical tickets for the Rathcline hosted Tommy Fleming concert on Sunday 24th November at 8pm in St. Mary’s church have just become available.
The sale of tickets for the concert, in O’Brien’s was sold out, and it is doubtful if this new allocation will be sufficient. If it is your intention to attend then don’t be left out and get your tickets immediately.
Tickets are for unreserved seating and they cost €35 each and can be bought in O’Brien’s or online available https://tommyfleming.com/concert-tickets/.
Book Launch on Friday
Traces of the Truth – a CSI investigates life and death – is the debut book by local man Ciaran Prior. The book is already gaining great interest with the written, radio and television media.
Ciaran will host his local and Longford launch on Friday evening next 27th September in the Longford Arms Hotel at 8pm. Ciaran would like to invite everyone to come along and enjoy the launch evening.
Death
For a community to lose one of its citizens that spent the majority of his 86 years active in the Lanesboro community has to leave us with a great deal of sadness. This was the case when we learned of the death at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin on Monday 16th September of Des Watts, Rathcline Road. Dessie as he was known locally was predeceased by his parents Arthur and Molly and his brother Patrick. He arrived in Lanesboro at an early age when along with his parents came to live in number 3 The Green when his father worked with Bord na Mona. When people come to live in a community your wish is for them to be involved and to add value and that is for sure what Dessie Watts did. He poured himself into our community for as long as he was able. Dessie in the early 60’s was secretary and a great encourager of the Rathcline club. His place of employment was the ESB power station where he was a respected member of the workforce. He was an ardent committee member and very active member for a number of years of Lanesboro Tourism, he was at the setting up of the ESB Pitch n Putt course, a member of the Sports & Social club, the setting up of the duck pond on the banks of the Shannon, he was a very keen boatman and fisherman and he was instrumental at the setting up of Lanesboro camera Club. He was an excellent pianist and very good golfer who was part of an All-Ireland winning team from Roscommon Golf Club and an excellent badminton player. In later life he was a very keen gardener and always enjoyed the game of Bridge, he also had a great interest in many sports.
His passing saddens the hearts of many in our community and further afield. His passing creates a memory of the many parts of our community that he helped create and was involved in. The memory of Dessie Watts will live long in our community and we will always be grateful for his input for so many years. May he rest in perfect peace.
Dessie’s remains reposed at Smyth’s funeral home on Thursday before being removed to St. Mary’s Church. On Friday following his Funeral mass on Friday he was laid to rest in Clonbonny cemetery. To his wife Eileen, daughter Marie, sons Derek and Daniel, grandchildren Ben and Anna, relatives and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Hospice Coffee Morning
St Faithleach’s GAA club are hosting a coffee morning in aid of the Hospice in their clubhouse on Saturday next 28th September from 10.00am to 1.00pm. Come along and enjoy a coffee and a chat and support this worthy cause.
All Star Nomination
Many congratulations to our local St. Faithleach’s club and especially to its player Diarmuid Murtagh who has been nominated in the list of All-Star nominations. Diarmuid has consistently been one of the stars of the Roscommon county team and it is wonderful to see his outstanding performances recognised with his nomination. If the All Star selection panel were in Kiltoom on Saturday night last to see him play with St. Faithleach’s they would see that the brilliance of Diarmuid is not solely confined to the county team and it would be a travesty of justice not to have to have him on the All Star team.
The team will be announced in January and we look forward with great hope that Diarmuid will take one of those coveted places on the team.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Seamus Quinn and his family, Main Street, on the death of his sister Marie Lee in Sussex, England recently.
Shamrock 165 book offer
Shamrock 165 is a trilogy of books written by Sligo native Gavin Walsh on the first ever Aer Lingus plane crashed on Snowdonia National Park, Wales
This is the true story of both the Irish nation’s and Aer Lingus first fatal crash, which occurred in Snowdonia National Park, North Wales on Thursday 10th January 1952. Gavin spent 13 years researching, writing and compiling the ‘Shamrock 165’ trilogy. His final results are diametrically opposed to both the British and Irish Government’s official investigation findings. The author has accumulated more than 1000 never-supposed-to-see the light of day documents; many of which illustrated in the 3 volumes. The story also details the lives of all the 23 victims who perished on that night almost 73 years ago.
On board was local Rathcline lady Evelyn Belton which makes this book of great interest to locals.
This is a fascinating trilogy of books delving into every aspect of the crash and a tremendous read. The books can be bought in O’Brien’s at a cost of just €65 for the set of three or individually Book 1 at €25, Book 2 at €20 and Book 3 at €30.
Pilates
Pilates with Regina has returned to St. Marys Hall Lanesboro on Thursday evenings at 7.30pm
don’t put it off? Start now at the beginning you won’t know yourself by Christmas.
Singing, Piano, Violin and Cello
Tuition is available for all ages and all levels in Singing, Piano, Cello, and Violin. Preparation is given for the practical and written Junior and Leaving Cert examinations. If you are interested please contact Edel 087 3649005 or Alida 089 4974865.
Local notes
Anybody that wants items included in the local notes is advised that they have their note with me on a Sunday night at the very latest. This is to ensure inclusion in the coming weeks notes.
Age Friendly Information Day
Longford’s Age Friendly Information Day is set to take place in the Longford Arms Hotel on Monday 30th September from 11am until 4pm. Longford County Council, Longford Age Friendly Alliance and Longford Older Persons Network will host an Information Day for older persons living in County Longford. The event is an opportunity to network and receive information regarding services available for older people. Talks, Demonstrations, good fun and much more will take place. Longford’s Chief executive Paddy Mahon and Longford Older Persons Council Chairperson Kitty Burkhill will deliver the opening address.
Ciorcal Comhrá sa Leabharlann – Irish Conversation Group
Ar maith leat deis a fháil chun feabhas a chur ar do chuid Gaeilge labhartha?
Would you like to have the opportunity to improve your spoken Irish?
Ciorcal Comhrá ag tosú I Leabharlann Bhéal Átha Liag Dé Máirt, an 8 Deireadh Fómhair 6.00 – 7.00 pm. Beidh sé ar siúl ar feadh ocht sechtaine. Fáilte roimh chách.
Irish Conversation Group is starting in Lanesboro library on Tuesday 8th October from 6 pm to 7pm. It will run for eight weeks and everyone is welcome.
Tuilleadh eolais at fáil ag 043 33 21291.
Further information is available by phoning 043 33 21291
Scintillating Performance
On an evening when the experts all said it cannot be done the St. Faithleach’s senior team defied all expert opinion when they defeated Clann na Gael in the quarter final of the Roscommon Senior Championship in Kiltoom on Saturday night last in a game that will live long in the memory.
In what was scintillating game our local men in red and white put in a performance that the likes of has not been seen for many a long year. The quality of the game was from the top drawer and it swung from end to end from the start to the end of 60 minutes and beyond to the finish of extra time in a supreme show of guts, determination and a never say die attitude. The scoreline of St. Faithleach’s 3-17 to Clann na Gael’s 1-22 was every bit as exciting as the scoreline suggests with both teams having been level on many occasions. The strength and fitness of the players was incredible and it goes to the dedication to their work in training under manager of Adrian Donoghue and his management team. It was truly a game for the ages and we look forward to the team displaying the same skill and determination when they take on Padraig Pearses in the semi-final that will take place on Saturday 5th October at 4.30pm in Hyde Park.
Rathcline Ladies into Final
Following a hard fought and very intense game on Sunday last the Rathcline Ladies Junior team overcame a strong performance by a gallant Sean Connolly’s team. Throughout the game there was little of nothing between them
Rathcline 50/50
On Monday 16th September the Rathcline GAA 50/50 weekly draw took place in the Yacht Bar under the stewardship of Darragh Byrne and Joey Rooney. The jackpot for Monday night was again over €600. The winner this week was Bernie Hanley, Corrigeen who was the winner of €628. As usual, the winning cheque can always be collected in O’Brien’s.
The Rathcline 50/50 draw takes place every Monday night in one of our local bars at 7.30pm. Your continued generous support is greatly appreciated, and your great support is highlighted by the large pools every week – thank you.
Blessing of Animals
A Blessing of your pets will take place on Saturday next 28th September at 3pm at the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon. This Blessing is supported by Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Tidy Towns Lottery
The weekly Tidy Towns lottery draw took place in O’Brien’s on Tuesday last 15th September for a jackpot of €15,000. The numbers drawn were 1, 3, 13 and 22. There was nobody with the good luck to have the correct four numbers drawn out and the jackpot of €15,000 remains the same for the next Tuesday draw. The winner of the €50 prize was Madaleine Murray, The Green, and the three €20 prizes went to Marie Casserly c/o Mags, Pat Connerton c/o XLNTEE and Yvonne, Jackie & Johnny c/o Mags..
The draw will take place in O’Brien’s every Tuesday morning.
Lough Ree Athletic Club
The Club has restarted its winter training over the past two Tuesdays, with the younger children doing their session at the Athletic track at the Community College from 6pm. While the older group have completed two training runs through the woods starting with a warm up at 7pm at the small harbour. It’s great to see so many children participating and a big thanks to David and Joanne for their organisation skills and to the Parent Coaches for all their excellent help.
This week sees the start of the Primary Schools Cross Country Championships and all Schools have been notified.
The Roscommon Schools will be held next Wednesday 25th September at St Bridget’s GAA grounds in Kiltoom. This will be an amazing event as there will be 56 schools from across the County of Roscommon taking part.
Sunday next 29th September sees the Longford Schools competing at Moyne Community School.
The club wishes the best of luck to all our members who are competing for their Schools throughout the week.
The annual Church Gate collection took place over the weekend. The Club wishes to extend its thanks to all who contributed so generously, your continued support is very much appreciated.
Weekly Card Game
The results of last Sunday night 22nd September game held in the Parish Hall are. 1st Noel and Martin McDermott, there was a three way tie for 2nd between Eugene Kelly and Barney Kenny, Mick and Kathleen Maguire and Pat Joe Fallon and Tom Nohilly. The raffle winners were Bridie Glennon, Mick Maguire, Barney Kenny & Martin McDermott. The game takes place every Sunday night in the hall at 8.30pm. New card players will always be welcome. Light refreshments are always served
Pike Angling Festival next weekend
The Lough Ree Lanesborough Angling Hub is delighted to announce that the King of the Lake 2024 International Pike Festival is open for entries.
The event will have over 40 prizes totalling €11,500 and will be run over two days of fishing on Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th September – it is a boat fishing competition and anglers must be in a boat while fishing. Lure fishing, fly fishing and dead baits are the only methods allowed. Anglers may only use two rods. There must be at least two people in each boat and a maximum of three anglers and a maximum of four rods fishing at a time. You can sign up now on their Google form – go to the Facebook page and click the link https://www.facebook.com/Loughreeangling
Beat the Drum
Did you ever fancy being a drummer? The local Longford Town Bula Bula Samba band is calling out for new members. The band is setting up a new Samba Band in County Longford and is looking for people to join with them in the band.
“For those who are not familiar with Samba it refers to the carnival music associated closely with Rio Brazil and involves percussion instruments and lively street dancing,” said Caroline Lewis of the Bula Bula Samba band.
Bula Bula’s plan is that the Samba band will participate in the celebration of public cultural events around the county.
Longford Learning Support
Longford Learning Support is a Registered Charity, which has been set up to provide a weekly after-school intervention programme, aimed specifically for children who are experiencing learning difficulties.
Tutors help children in groups of 3 or 4, according to age and ability, in an encouraging and supportive environment.
Classes cover Reading, Spelling, and Maths.
Classes take place every Tuesday evening from 7.00 pm to 8.30pm in the E.D.I. Centre, Mastertech Business Park, Athlone Road, Longford N39 Y0F4.
If you would like any further information on Longford Learning Support, please contact Nuala at (089) 214 6666 or email llslongford123@gmail.com.
Degree from home
Longford College of Further Education (behind Connolly Barracks) still has places available on their Business Level 5 course. This course enables students to start their degree locally in Longford and therefore save money on accommodation. Progress routes include a Business Level 6 course, which enables direct entry into year 2 of Business degrees in TUS. Buses are available to Longford from Lanesboro. The course fee is only €50. Apply via the website www.longfordcfe.com or fetchcourses.ie
Visit Corlea
Right on our doorstep the fabulous Iron Age Trackway is situated in Corlea just 13km from Lanesboro. This very unique Trackway has an 18m long section of original Trackway the largest ever discovered in Europe is displayed at the Visitor Centre. You learn how people lived at the time and murals depict implements of the time.
This is one of Ireland’s most famous hidden treasures and it is a place that should be visited and bring your visitors to this wonderful experience.
Visiting the centre is free of charge and the excellent local facilitators will bring you thought the experience and leave you in awe such is their knowledge.
Access for All boat
Have you availed of the wonderful experience on our doorstep? The Access for All boat is for everybody and it takes you on a 90 minute trip out onto the lake as see its beauty and some of the islands on Lough Ree. The boat can cater for three large wheelchairs, but you don’t have to be a wheelchair user to avail of the excellent trips. Sailing times daily for the 90 minute trip are 10.00am, 12.00pm and 2.30pm. Guided fishing excursions can also be organised. Advanced booking is recommended. You can contact by email www.loughreeboattrips.com or phone 089 2625505 or 043 33 84175
Ballinamuck Social Dancing & Community Gathering
The next Social evening will take place this Sunday, September 29th from 5-7 pm in the ’98 Memorial Hall, Ballinamuck Village (N39 Y7C1) with music by Pat Mulchrone.
This is a great opportunity for a dance, a cuppa, and a catch-up with friends old and new – looking forward to welcoming everyone!
Newcomers are always welcome! For more info contact Aisling 086 3663901.
Brothers of Charity seeks support
Volunteers needed: Are you interested in supporting someone with an intellectual disability, to be part of the community in which they live? Volunteers provide a valuable contribution by connecting people to their local communities and enrich the lives of the people we support, by bringing friendship and fun in to their lives. Volunteers can do this by attending local social activities or sporting events together, going walking, swimming, or just sharing interests and chatting over a cup of coffee/tea. Volunteers will be supported in their role by the Volunteer Coordinator. If you are interested in volunteering in the Brothers of Charity Services in Roscommon please contact Edel Crehan on edel.crehan@bocsi.ie or 0874887314 for more details.
Short Breaks Scheme: Would you be interested in providing home from home short breaks for children and adults who have an intellectual disability? Brothers of Charity Services Ireland, Homeshare Roscommon are recruiting host carers. Training and support provided. Tax exempt Allowances paid. For further information email Homeshareroscommon@bocsi.ie or phone Catherine on 090 6628500 / 087 2126607.
Community Employment Scheme
Western Alzheimer’s Roscommon has vacancies on their Community Employment Scheme for Dementia Specific Health Care Support Assistant to join our Community In-Home Respite Service Team. They are looking for friendly, approachable, honest, reliable and committed individuals who can make a connection with their clients in a supportive capacity and assist them to partake in their activities of daily living. Please call the Roscommon office on 090 6627816, they would love to hear from you!!
Lanesboro Garda Station
Lanesboro Garda Station has just posted a notice telling of its opening times where the station will have a member of the force in attendance for the public. Lanesboro station will be open on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9am to 11am. The station will be open at those times unless the local Garda is dealing with a situation that requires their attendance.
Local Health Service
Local Heath Service is available at Roscommon University Hospital. The service will deal with urgent and routine health problems. The Freephone phone number to ring is 1800 700700.
For more information you are invited to contact Helena at Helena.madden@alone.ie or phone 086 0145 829.
Line Dancing For All
They say that Line Dancing, stimulates the brain, reduces stress, reduces risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia, increases mental capacity, improves posture and balance, tones the body, strengthens bones and muscles, provides opportunity to socialize and meet people and its suitable and popular for all ages and all abilities.
Line Dancing classes take place every Friday morning 11am at the Quad Centre Roscommon Town.
Line Dancing classes every Sunday at the Quad Centre Roscommon Town for beginners from 6pm to 7pm and Improvers from 7pm to 8pm
Dance classes takes place in Kilbride, Four Mile House every Tuesday 7pm followed by:
Jive & Waltz classes 8 45pm.
Learn to play Guitar
Have you ever thought of learning to play the guitar? Complete beginner guitar lessons are now available in the Lanesboro area. For booking and further details phone 087 7774203.
Co. Longford Citizens Advice Centre
Co. Longford Citizens Information Service has recently been restructured and is currently under new management.
They continue to provide free, impartial, and confidential information, advice, and advocacy services to the public on social services, rights, and entitlements. The range of areas covered by the citizens information centre are extremely wide including social welfare rights and entitlements and other social issues such as employment, health services, housing, education, family matters and consumer rights, all where people need access to information.
The way people access the services changed during Covid and now they currently deal with a large number of queries over the telephone, however, they continue to provide our drop-in times and welcome people to their face-to-face service five mornings a week from the Longford office. The services are provided by experienced trained Information Officers who are there to help you.
The centre is located on level 1 within Longford Shopping Centre and direction can be obtained at the reception desk from Monday to Friday from 9.30am until 5.00pm. The office closes for lunch from 1pm until 2pm.
The Employability Service
Is an Employment and Recruitment Service to assist people with a disability or health issue to pursue and maintain employment in the open labour market? If you are over 18, have a disability or health issue and would consider working part-time then you should contact Employment Services Roscommon support to help find you a job in your area. This is a confidential and free individualised service funded by the Department of Social Protection.
Are you managing mental health issues? There is the opportunity for Individual Placement and Support (IPS) that is funded by the HSE and offers a range of tailored personalised supports to people using mental health services who wish to work. For further information you should phone 090 66 28608 or call/text 087 3745307. They can also be contacted via email at info@rosemp.ie
Alcohol Anon Meetings
Relatives and friends of those addicted to alcohol are welcome to attend meetings in the Family Centre at the back of St. Mel’s Cathedral. The meetings take place every Tuesday evening at 7pm.
Ballyleague Bingo
Ballyleague Bingo continues in Ballyleague Hall every Thursday night. The first numbers will be called at 8.30pm.
The club is extremely grateful for your on-going tremendous support.
ALONE
ALONE is a national organisation that enables older people to age at home.
Our work is for all older people and aims to improve physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. We have a national network of staff and volunteers who provide an integrated system of Support Coordination, Practical Supports, Befriending, a variety of Phone Services, Social Prescribing, Housing with Support and Assistive Technology.
We use individualised support plans, to address health, financial benefits and supports, social care, housing, transport and other arising needs using technology and through harnessing other services.
We work to empower the whole sector of community support for older people through our Community Impact Network that provides Training, IT support and resources to other organisations.
Support line for older people
ALONE manage a national support line and additional support for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to Covid-19. Professional staff is available to answer queries and give advice and reassurance where necessary. The support line is open seven days a week from 8am until 8pm. Text TALK to 50808 to begin.
Local Health Service
The health service is here for us all, from routine to urgent calls. HSELive is here 7 days a week to answer questions. The number to ring is Freephone 1800 700700.
Roscommon University Hospital Injury Unit is available from 8am to 8pm seven days, a week and the contact number is 09066 32212.
Emergency Department deals with serious injuries and life-threatening emergencies if you need urgent medical help. They are open 24 hours a day and can be contacted by phoning 999 or 112.
Smart Recovery
SMART recovery is an evidence-based addiction recovery support group where participants learn self-empowering techniques to aid their recovery by overcoming addictive behaviour.
There is a meeting every Friday evening from 7pm to 8.30pm in Vita House, Roscommon. For information you should phone Conor 086 1702912 or info@smartrecovery.ie
GROW
Grow is a Community Mental Health Movement which meets every Monday at 11am in the Community Mental Health Centre, Dublin Rd., Longford. If you are feeling lonely, isolated or suffering from stress, please feel free to attend. You can call Assumpta for any further information on 086 8114135.
St. Mary’s Church Lanesboro
Priest contacts: If you have a need to contact any one of the priests you can do so by phoning Fr. Merlyn Kenny 086 0603433 or Fr. Turlough Baxter 087 9972259.
You can also contact parish secretary Maireád Rooney by calling into the presbytery from Tuesday to Thursday, 10.30am to 2.30pm.or she can be contacted on the phone at 3321166.
Age Friendly Information Day: Longford’s Age Friendly Information Day is set to take place in the Longford Arms Hotel on Monday 30th September from 11am until 4pm. Longford County Council, Longford Age Friendly Alliance and Longford Older Persons Network will host an Information Day for older persons living in County Longford. The event is an opportunity to network and receive information regarding services available for older people. Talks, Demonstrations, good fun and much more will take place. Longford’s Chief executive Paddy Mahon and Longford Older Persons Council Chairperson Kitty Burkhill will deliver the opening address.
Prebooking is essential? Call Anne 3324760 or contact Lanesboro Library.
Relics of St. Bernadette of Lourdes: The Relics of St. Bernadette of Lourdes will be taken to Ireland and to each diocese. The relics will be in St. Mel’s Cathedral on Friday next 27th and Saturday 28th September. The purpose of the visit is to bring Lourdes for the Faithful, who may not be able to travel to Lourdes. It will be in the cathedral to share in some of the atmosphere of prayer and consolation that pilgrims experience, while they are there.
Rosary at the Grotto: Everyone is invited to go along to recite the Rosary at the statue of Our Lady of Fatima beside Cloontuskert old graveyard. The Rosary will be recited on the first Saturday of each month, this coming month 5th October, in accordance with Our Lady’s wishes.
Adoration: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament continues on Tuesday’s after 10am Mass until 8pm in the church. People are welcome to join the Adoration group any time. Those who do a designated hour are requested to arrange a substitute in they happen to be able to attend at their designated time.
Sacrament of Reconciliation: Confession time in the Prayer Room takes place on the first Friday of each month from 6.30pm to 7pm.The next opportunity is on Friday 4th October.
Smart Recovery: Smart recovery is an evidence based addiction recovery group, where participants learn self-empowering techniques to aid their recovery by overcoming addictive behaviour. There is a meeting every Friday evening in Vita House in Roscommon Town from 7pm to 8.30pm. For information contact Conor at 086 1702919 or info@smartrecovery.ie
Kilgefin Parish Notes
Contact: Fr Daniel can be contacted at 089 270 6060
Mass Times Change: After much discussion at the KPPC with other parish groups, it has been resolved that mass times will be changing from Saturday 2nd November.
For Ballagh Church there will be just one Mass and that will be on Saturday evenings at 7.30pm. Sunday Mass in Curraghroe will remain the same at 10am on Sunday’s. Mass time in Ballyleague will be at 11.30a.m.
Apologies for any inconvenience caused by the changes especially to families that had already scheduled anniversary masses for Saturday evening in Ballyleague at 7pm. You are advised to call Fr. Dan to reschedule the mass or merge it with the following Sunday Mass.
Station Masses: Station masses commenced on Monday and Tuesday last in Ballyleague and Ballagh and they will continue at St. Cecilia’s Church, Curraghroe on Thursday 3rd October at 7pm for Doughill, Culleenoria, Tullyvarron and Killavacken
Spiritual Nourishment: On every First Friday of each month the priest is obliged to visit all the sick, elderly and homebound in the parish to pray with them and give them Holy Communion. Family members are encouraged to inform Fr. Dan about their loved ones in need of spiritual nourishment.
Confessions: The Sacrament of Reconciliation/Penance (Confessions) is very important for all Catholics. We are always encouraged to go to confessions to say sorry for the wrongs (sin) in our lives and to experience God’s healing through forgiveness by the priest. Parishioners can always come to confessions after mass on Friday’s 10.30am or any time convenient to you.
Eucharistic Adoration: There will be a n hour Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament every Friday in Curraghroe Church from 8pm to 9pm. And also in Ballyleague Church from 10.30am to 11.30am. You are invited to go along and spend a quiet time of prayer with God.
Rosary at the Grotto: Everyone is invited to go along to recite the Rosary at the statue of Our Lady of Fatima beside Cloontuskert old graveyard. The Rosary will be recited on the first Saturday of each month, this coming month 5th October, in accordance with Our Lady’s wishes.
Medjugorje: The Pilgrimage to Medjugorje will take place from 9th to the 16th October. The flights will be from Knock to Mostar and the return from Split to Knock. Full board will be €855 per person sharing and the single supple will be €150. To book you are advised to phone Marian pilgrimages 01 8788159 or Tom Moran 086-0815635. The Spiritual Director is Fr. Christy McHugh.